Note: this is event is open to both BPSS Members and non-members.

We’re delighted to be hosting a talk and tile making workshop by Penn tile expert Karen Slade.

The Penn tileries formed the most extensive, successful and well-organised commercial tile industry in medieval Britain. For over 40 years of the 14th century, between 1350 and 1380s, Penn tilers secured something very close to a monopoly in the South-East of England. They were manufacturing vast quantities of floor and roof tiles for royal palaces, monasteries and churches, manor houses and rich merchants’ houses, in London and the surrounding counties, including Windsor Castle and the Tower of London.

Sign up for the Tile Day 2026

Cost is:
£10 for Members.
£15 for non-members
No refund for cancellations after one week before the event.
You can become a member here.

Once you’ve signed up we’ll get in touch to take payment and give you the details of the venue – as usual it’s first come, first served, so sign up as soon as possible to guarantee your place and avoid disappointment. If you sign up after it is fully booked you will be added to the waiting list.

Tile Day guidelines

The day will be in two halves.
The morning will be a talk on Penn tiles.
The afternoon will be tile making!
Bring your own lunch otherwise you’ll have to pop out to acquire some.
You’ll need to fire and glaze you own tiles.
Car sharing is encouraged.

10am hall will be open with tea and coffee
The talk will start 10.30am
Pause at 12.30 lunch
13.30 demo and making session.
15.00 we will have some more tea and coffee.
Finish up at 16